2013 Ford Explorer

Asking Price Range

Estimated MPG

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), also known as "sticker" price, is a recommended selling price that automakers give a new car that is above the invoice price paid by the dealer. It is a price that does not include any options that can be added to a particular car style. When shown as a range, the prices are starting MSRPs, without options, for multiple styles for that model.

This price range reflects for-sale prices on Cars.com for this particular make, model and year.

These city and highway gas mileage estimates are for the model's standard trim configurations. Where there are optional features, packages or equipment that result in higher gas mileage, those fuel-economy estimates are not included here.

Summary

Expert Reviews 2 of 2

By Cars.com Staff

Cars.com National

August 10, 2012

Vehicle Overview

Sharing its car-based platform with the Taurus sedan, the Ford Explorer sits squarely in the crossover realm, pitting it against competitors like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse. Front-wheel drive is standard, and the Explorer can seat up to seven people in three rows. All-wheel drive with Ford's Terrain Management System is optional.

The MyFord Touch system, with touch-sensitive and voice-activated controls similar to those in the Edge crossover, is also optional. Base, XLT, Limited and new-for-2013 Sport trim levels are offered. All three come with V-6 power; the turbo four-cylinder is optional on front-wheel-drive models.

(Skip to details on the: Explorer Sport) New for 2013Newly available features include a heated steering wheel and high-intensity-discharge headlights that automatically dim when oncoming traffic is present. The front-seat passenger gets a new knee airbag, too. ExteriorStyled similarly to the Edge, the Explorer projects a squatter, carlike stance. The headlights and taillights narrow the lower you look, and the grille uses Ford's familiar three-bar design. It's gray on base models, silver on the XLT and body-colored on the Limited. Exterior features include:

InteriorThe Explorer's dashboard can come outfitted with touch-sensitive controls and LCD gauge screens. It's part of the optional MyFord Touch. MyFord Touch puts, among other things, an LCD screen on each side of the speedometer and an 8-inch touch-screen in the middle of the dash. Drivers can configure what information — from a virtual tachometer to music and navigation information — goes on the screens in the gauge cluster.

With a second-row bench seat, seating capacity is seven. Second-row captain's chairs, optional on the Limited, reduce capacity to six. The third row folds down in a 50/50 split, with available power folding seats on the Limited. Interior features include:

Available Terrain Management System adapts drivetrain settings to suit one of four environments: pavement, snow, sand or mud

V-6 towing capacity is 5,000 pounds; four-cylinder's is 2,000 pounds

SafetyAntilock brakes, side curtain airbags and an electronic stability system with Ford's Roll Stability Control are standard. The stability system employs Ford's Curve Control feature, which aims to cut speed should a driver head too fast into a corner. Additional safety features include:

Optional adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning

Optional blind spot warning system with Cross Traffic Alert

Optional backup camera

Optional inflatable rear seat belts, which aim to spread crash forces across the body by deploying an airbag-like inflation device during a forward collision

Explorer SportThe new Sport model adds a high-performance offshoot to the Explorer lineup. It's powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes an estimated 365 hp and 350 pounds-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission includes steering-wheel paddle shifters and all-wheel drive is standard. Ford says the Sport's chassis is stiffer — the power steering has sport tuning — there's a sport suspension and the brakes are larger.

The Sport's exterior is distinguished by a gray and black grille and 20-inch wheels. The cabin, meanwhile, is available with two-tone leather upholstery. Back to top